Capacitive Fill Level Detection Using Segmented Electrode Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laboratory equipment faces challenges in accurately and efficiently determining the fill level of liquids in closely adjacent containers, particularly in complex systems, due to issues like crosstalk, mechanical compaction, and inadequate resolution, with previous solutions being costly and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A capacitive measurement system using a network of electrodes, where each medium between transmitter and receiver electrodes influences the signal strength based on dielectric properties, allowing for accurate fill level detection without physical contact and minimal manual intervention, with the ability to adapt electrode configurations for diverse situations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If capacitive sensors are used for fill level detection in closely adjacent containers, then measurement precision can be improved, but crosstalk between neighboring measuring channels increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the measurement system into independent sensor assemblies, each dedicated to a specific container. Each sensor assembly includes its own transmitter and receiver electrodes positioned to measure only one container's fill level, thereby eliminating crosstalk between adjacent measurement channels while maintaining high precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent positions transmitter and receiver electrodes locally on opposite sides of each container wall, creating highly localized electric fields that penetrate only the specific container. This localized field configuration ensures that each sensor assembly measures only its designated container, preventing interference from neighboring containers
2Productivity
If multiple sensors are arranged in a compact configuration, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the transmitter and receiver electrodes into integrated sensor assemblies that can be mounted on the container holder. Each sensor assembly functions as a complete measurement unit, allowing multiple sensors to be arranged in a compact grid pattern corresponding to the microplate layout, thereby enabling simultaneous measurement of all containers without complex interconnections
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the sensor assemblies to be universally applicable to all containers in the microplate array. Each sensor assembly has the same structure and can measure any container's fill level, allowing the system to handle different plate configurations (96-well, 384-well, etc.) with the same hardware design, thus simplifying the overall system complexity
3Reliability
If contact-free measurement is implemented, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the transmitter and receiver electrodes symmetrically on opposite sides of each container, creating equipotential measurement paths through the container wall and liquid. This symmetric arrangement compensates for variations in container wall thickness and electrode positioning tolerances, reducing the impact of manufacturing imperfections on measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical contact-based liquid level detection with capacitive sensing that measures the dielectric properties of the liquid through the container wall. This non-contact method eliminates wear and contamination issues while the system's signal processing compensates for variations in container geometry and electrode positioning
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system provides reliable, high-resolution fill level measurements in a non-contact, cost-effective manner, capable of real-time monitoring with improved accuracy and reduced measurement time, suitable for diverse laboratory applications.
Implementation Method 1
Capacitive sensors are used in some cases to measure physical quantities such as, for example, pressure, fill level, volume, or the relative dielectric index. These sensors detect a change of the capacitance of an individual capacitor or an entire capacitor network
Implementation Method 2
Each of the containers can be introduced into a working zone between two electrodes (201). The receiver electrodes (201) are designed to be virtually grounded. Electrical connecting lines (202) are provided for triggering the electrodes (201) selected as transmitter element and/or for reading out the electrodes (201) selected as receiver element
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to apparatuses (100) for the capacitive determination of the fill level in the individual containers (5.1, 5.2) of a group (10) of regularly disposed containers of the same dimensions, wherein the apparatus (100) comprises a transmitter electrode (201.1) and a receiver electrode (201.2, 201.3) as well as a circuit for carrying out a capacitive measurement. The measuring circuit comprises a transmitting circuit (57) and a receiving circuit (58) and the apparatus (100) comprises a horizontal base plate (200) having a plurality of electrodes (201.1, 201.2, 201.3) which protrude in one direction in relation to a horizontal plane defined by the base plate (200) and which are uniformly mutually spaced apart such that a plurality of working zones of the same dimensions are formed. A plurality of connections (202) are provided through which some of the electrodes (201.1) are connectable to the transmitting circuit (57) and controllable by said circuit and some of the electrodes (201.2, 201.3) are connectable to the receiving circuit (58) and can be read out by said circuit. In the area of each working zone in the horizontal plane at least respectively two electrodes (201.1, 201.2, 201.3) are opposite one another. By means of the connections (202) respectively one of these two electrodes (201.1) will be used as transmitter and the other of the two electrodes (201.2, 201.3) will be used as receiver.